Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, April 12: Remember Florence Nightingale? Or, for that matter, Mother Teresa’s million examples of ‘Service to man is service to God?’ Well, save for the distance, light at the end of the tunnel definitely exists in the form of the Kadaduba Primary Health Centre ANM Subodhini Bera. Ask the villagers and they will unanimously vouch that she is the personification of God’s blessings.
A resident of Baharagora, Subodhini Bera spends 24×7 at the Kadaduba Primary Health Centre (PHC), catering to the medical support of villagers far and near. Within the past one year, Subodhini has performed 397 child deliveries and mother and child are fine and ‘kicking.’
When asked if she missed her family life, there was a hint of a sigh before a smile spread across her countenance. She observed, “Yes, but these villagers from all over are my family too. They need me and my support. Many a time it so happens that during holidays or at late hours villagers come knocking at this PHC with the hope of getting relief. They need me more than anything or anyone else. How can I overlook the medical or health needs of the children whom I have delivered? At the end of the day, it is the smile of joy on their faces that makes my life meaningful.”
There have been times aplenty when Subodhini has had to deliver a child in the flicker of a candle or oil lantern light. There is no provision for any inverter or generator at this PHC at Kadaduba in Dampara under Ghatshila Block.
Basudev Oraon whose wife had delivered a daughter at the Kadaduba CHC, stated, “Didi (Subodhini Bera) is a Messiah! If we go to hospitals or nursing homes for delivery purposes, we have to pay a fat amount as deposit. Delivery charges and medicinal expenses are additional. Many times, a child is delivered through operation (Caesarian segment surgery) But at Kadaduba (PHC), our Didi ensures safe delivery, care and free services for us.”
This ANM, apart from dispensing medical help, maintains this PHC in spic and span condition with adequate medicinal and other stocks. She makes herself available round the clock to lovingly nurture her extended family that is vast and grateful to her.
Perhaps East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Suraj Kumar echoed the voice and gratitude of all villagers when he observed, “ANM Subodhini Bera is a role model worth emulating. Her services in the cause of mankind are beyond comparison. Her sense of responsibility lies in her dispensing of responsibility with dedication and this is a hallmark for all to adopt. I also urge all the people to keep faith on institutional delivery for safety, health and wellbeing of mother and child.”
Subodhini Bera is slated to retire this July end. Villagers wish that time holds still and July never arrives. But time and tide wait for none. Yet, the multitude that has felt the care and affection of this outstanding ANM has a plea. “We request the government authorities to keep Didi here at this PHC always even after her retirement. We need her. Our generations need her.”
What better tribute can one expect for selfless services rendered that have left an indelible mark in a million hearts? ANM Subodhini Bera is a glowing example in whom flows the milk of human kindness.
